Abstract

The nonlinear characteristics in the large amplitude three-dimensionalfree vibrations of inclined sagged elastic cables are investigated. Amodel formulation which is not limited to cables having smallsag-to-span ratios and takes into account the axial deformation effectis considered. Based on a multi-degree-of-freedom cable model, a finitedifference discretization is employed within a numerical solution of thegoverning equations of three-dimensional coupled motion. Variousnumerical examples of arbitrarily inclined sagged cables with initialout-of-plane or in-plane motions are carried out for the case of aspecified end tension. The major findings consist of highlighting theextent of two-and three-dimensional nonlinear couplings, the occurrenceof nonlinear dynamic tensions, and the meaningfulness of modaltransition phenomena ensuing from the activation of various internalresonance conditions. The influence of cable inclination on thenonlinear dynamic behavior is also evaluated. Comprehensive discussionand comparison of large amplitude free vibrations of horizontal andinclined sagged cables are presented.